Thursday, December 30, 2010

MASTERPAK, manufacturer of high-value PE films in Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon, will exhibit agricultural and horticultural films in Hall 8.2 Booth B-08 during Fruit Logistica 2011. The annual event will be held in Berlin, Germany from 9 - 11 February 2011.

Fruit Logistica is a leading international trade fair for the fresh produce (fruit and vegetable) business. This year, more than 2,300 companies from around the world - global players, as well as small and medium-sized suppliers - will come together from across the entire fresh produce value chain.

Monday, December 27, 2010

For the fourth consecutive year, MASTERPAK, Lebanese polyethylene film manufacturer in Zouk Mosbeh, spread the holiday joy and contributed to the happiness of children.

On 26 December 2010, members of the MASTERPAK family circulated homes from Beirut to Tripoli dressed in Santa Claus costumes distributing gifts, clothes, food, and other necessities and demonstrating strong community support.

In the true giving spirit of the holidays and family spirit of mother company INDEVCO Group, MASTERPAK's team joined hands to help children in need.

MASTERPAK team helps families in need

MASTEPAK family cares for children

MASTERPAK demonstrates happy family spirit

MASTERPAK further aims at inspiring others to give back during the festive holidays.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Private by Sanita, a leading brand of feminine hygiene products in the Middle East, is launching ‘Passionate by Nature’ campaign.

Private ‘Passionate by Nature’ campaign is a tribute to the true essence of women. The concept of “Passionate by Nature” is derived from the fact that the essence of a women is a perfect combination of unconditional love, will, eagerness to live the moment, and determination to fulfill one's aspirations.

Private truly believes that women are “Passionate by Nature”.Private is meant to be the reflection of their true essence and all women should see their passionate side and image within this new communication umbrella.

The 2-day event took place on 16 and 17 December 2010 at LibanPack – packaging and development offices in Sin el Fil, Lebanon. The workshop covered current market access issues addressing technical barriers to trade (TBT) and packaging concerns.

Unipak in Halat, Lebanon, attended and sponsored the 2-day workshop. The corrugated packaging manufacturer caters to the processed food, beverage, catering, dairy, and agricultural markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

MEFOSA helps companies meet government regulations and international standards to ensure food safety. The consulting, auditing and training body assists companies in verifying that procedures and practices ensure safe products and good quality. [1]

The workshop discussed the latest safety and legislative issues and news, aiming to facilitate compliance to food contact material, legislation and restrictions, as well as increase market access and export.[2]

By understanding food contact material requirements and standards, workshop attendees from the food industry can seize export opportunities by ensuring compliance to set international standards for product quality.

Unipak’s holding company, INDEVCO Group co-sponsored the event, in addition to the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI), LibanPack, and Gemayel Frères.

The evaluation process ended with a comprehensive 4-day certification audit by Lloyd’s Register EMEA certification body. Lloyd's Register EMEA, based in London, UK, is accredited by United Kingdom Accreditation Service Body (UKAS) and provides a full range of services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

After correction and closure of all non conformances, National Paper Products Company’s management system satisfied all ISO 9001:2008 certificate scrupulous requirements.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Napco Modern Plastic Products Company – Sack Division has developed stretch hood film, in line with its continuous efforts to adapt to international market trends in the flexible packaging industry.

The polyethylene film and bag manufacturer, based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, now produces PE stretch hood film, a flexible packaging film that protects products during shipping and storage.

More flexible than other industrial films, stretch hood looks set to replace traditional shrink hood film. Napco Modern team worked extensively on this product launch, from identifying market needs to technical aspects.

Stretch Hood Film versus Shrink Hood FilmStretch hood film provides various advantages over conventional shrink hood film. In terms of cost, stretch hood film, which uses simple palletizing equipment, consumes less material and less energy, as it requires no need for heating.

Without heat, as well, the film is safer to operate than shrink hood. Finally, stretch hood requires less maintenance at the customer end.

In line with Interstate Paper Industries sustainability efforts, the Egyptian manufacturer of jumbo tissue rolls began production in the new deinking plant in December 2010. The plant facilitates recycling efforts and cuts down waste.

Recycled pulp, also called deinked pulp, is used as raw material in paper making. During deinking, recycled paper is processed by chemicals that remove printing inks and other unwanted elements and free paper fibers, resulting in deinked pulp.

Many newsprint, toilet paper and facial tissue grades commonly contain 100% deinked pulp. Furthermore, deinked pulp makes up a substantial proportion of the furnish of many other grades, such as writing papers for office and home use or lightweight coated papers for offset and printing.

"By using deinked pulp, Interstate Paper Industries will be adding a considerable range of new products to its production portfolio, thus serving new customers and markets."

Interstate Paper Industries works with the Egyptian community by purchasing and recycling waste paper from the local market in Cairo and Upper Egypt. In 2011, the tissue mill projects it will purchase 24,000 tons of waste.

As a leading 'green' tissue mill in the Middle East and North Africa, Interstate Paper Industries takes many environmentally friendly initiatives, such as using fossil-fuel efficient equipment to minimize harmful emissions and consuming less water and power. The jumbo tissue roll manufacturer recycles plant waste water and solid waste.

Global Green USA’s 2010 Sustainable Design Awards ceremony took place at Chelsea Piers, New York City and was hosted by Sam Champion of Good Morning America. [1]

The award ceremony recognizes and celebrates the achievements of individuals and companies in media, building, industry, and public policy paving the way for positive changes. Furthermore, the event serves as a channel to increase awareness and funds in support of Global Green USA initiatives.

Global Green USA is an American non-profit organization branching from Green Cross International. The organization’s goal is to foster improvement in the global climate and make positive changes by promoting households, schools, and cities to take green energy-efficient initiatives.[2]

Phoenix Machinery, in Safra, Lebanon, manufactures machinery and new equipment, as well as refurbishes and performs control upgrades for high precision CNC parts, in addition to paper, plastic, tissue, and hygiene machinery.

The fourth issue of Phoenix Machinery’s 2010 quarterly e-newsletter consists of the latest articles relevant to new developments, signed contracts, customer testimonials, and events.

As one of the leading school and office suppliers, they needed to solve the problem of reducing corrugated packaging waste and costs while increasing the product placement visibility for their global retailer.

Solution:

Rising to the challenge, Interstate Container Reading’s creative design team utilized their innovative machinery, a Pacific 3.0 folder gluer with a Polyjoiner module, to develop and design a unique corrugated Box-In-Box system.

The module makes possible a number of novel design options, including a display tray on the inside with the outer box already attached to the outside. The resulting high impact, retail friendly point of purchase (POP) display exceeds both their customer and retailer expectations.

This streamlined solution eliminates the need, steps and resources to go to co-packers, fulfillment centers or even packing off-line at the customer’s facility. By eliminating these time consuming and costly steps, the consolidated supply chain improves efficiencies, reduces the environmental impact of their overall carbon footprint and positively affects the bottom line for MeadWestvaco and their retailers.

Not only does Interstate Container Reading’s retail ready packaging Box-In-Box get your product to market cheaper and faster...it looks better when it gets there, too.

The Box-In-Box concept has been so well received, the retailer is investigating its viability for all their suppliers with similar products.

By meeting unique customer challenges with singular, effective solutions, Interstate Container Reading's creative design team and customer service personnel lead the way.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Neemat Frem presented at the Lebanese Industrial Research Achievements Program (LIRA 2010) conference and exhibition.

LIRA Program 2010 conference brought together industry specialists and officials from 1 - 3 December 2010 at the Dbayeh Convention Center in Dbayeh, Lebanon. The event took place under the patronage of Lebanese President Michel Sleiman, while Lebanese Minister of Industry, Abraham Dedeyan, inaugurated the event.

LIRA Program seeks to develop effective links and cooperation among research centers, academic bodies, and industry players to boost growth by meeting crucial research and development needs, increasing productivity, and improving competitiveness.[1]

The presentation discussed the imperative for innovation to spur higher productivity and growth in GDP and to avoid obsoleteness in a world of ever-changing technology. Globalization is facilitating innovation and industrial research.

Lebanese Competitiveness

Frem shed light on Lebanon’s low competitiveness ranking. Although the country has had breakthroughs in health care and education, industry research continues to lag due to public institutions and infrastructure.

Lebanon, however, has maintained a healthy growth ratio (8.7% in 2009) despite the world economic crisis. Frem explained the importance of maintaining this growth and raising this ratio to cover national debt.

Frem’s recommended action plan would stimulate industrial research covering public sector, universities, banking, industrialists and financial institutions and called for a research law.

A vital link between industry and universities is necessary, as well as the need for tax incentives and banks to provide supportive funds.

Furthermore, he requested to rely on the National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS), Industrial Research Institute, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and universities to stimulate and develop research programs.

This development provides MASTERPAK with a competitive advantage in an industry where few players have reached the same printing specifications.

The Lebanese polyethylene film manufacturer produces plain and printed shrink films customized to customer specification. The low density PE shrink films can be printed in up to 8 colors and provide high yield, lower costs, and optimized shrink film usage.

MASTERPAK shrink films form tight, lightweight and durable packaging with ease of transport, handling and distribution. Furthermore, they offer customers with attractive packaging and UV resistance.

Challenge:How can a packaging supplier “green” their impact on the wholesale transfer packaging supply chain and make a positive impact on the environment? If there is a solution, how can the packaging supplier distinguish themselves from all other packaging suppliers?

Interstate Container Cambridge created GREENCOAT, a unique name that ideally portrays the application. GREENCOAT is environmentally sensitive in many ways. This brand is at the forefront of recyclable, greener packaging methods and initiatives.

Interstate Container Cambridge needed to positively represent their wax replacement brand to illustrate its strength, water resistance, sustainability, and characteristics. When you see an elephant holding an umbrella, think of Interstate Container Cambridge. The logo represents toughness and durability while also portraying smart water repellant technology and environmental sustainability.

Considerable capital and many years were devoted to researching and developing their new GREENCOAT process. This cost neutral wax replacement procedure meets or exceeds most waxed box performance and is recyclable, repulpable and compostable. Custom retailer possibilities are endless when packing poultry, produce, seafood and many other products.

So look for the GREENCOAT elephant holding an umbrella, the new standard in wax replacement packaging.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

On 15 November 2010, INDEVCO Online Communications Unit held the Regional Unit Marketing Meet-Up at INDEVCO headquarters located in Ajaltoun, Lebanon.

The conference began early morning and lasted the entire day bringingtogether attendees from various divisions of the NEMA Regional Unit

(L-R):

George Abou JawdehNEMA Field Sales Manager / Levant

Hana EliaNEMA Sales Service Coordinator / Levant

Amal MerhiMASTERPAK Marketing Manager

Naji MajdalaniNEMA Levant Regional Sales Manager

Toufic SafiNEMA Area Sales Manager /Levant

Merched NemehCOMPACT Marketing Manager

Raji BitarNAPCO Regional Manager (UK & Ireland)

E. FeghaliINDEVCO Online Communications Unit Director

Nicole JabreCorporate Communications Specialist

Shukri KaramNEMA Asia Regional Manager

E. Feghali engaging the attendees

Attendees filled out evaluations

NEMA Regional Unit Marketing Meet-Up Program

The conference covered the following topics:

Online Communications Unit Services & Relation to Other UnitsHow do INDEVCO service units work together to serve you?

Marketing as a Management ProcessHow has our group’s approach to global marketing evolved?

Prospect DatabasesAre your prospect and customer databases in order?

Building Customer ProfilesWith which criteria do you segment and evaluate prospects? What would your ‘ideal customer’ profiles / sector look like?

Lead Management & Nurturing of ProspectsHow are you organized to manage lead generation efforts? What are best practices for converting prospects?

Using Social Media for Sales ProspectingHow can you generate and qualify credible leads and follow customers and competitors using LinkedIn and Twitter

Corporate Identity & back Office CommunicationsAre you promoting one consistent corporate identity in your written communications? How can you significantly improve communications with prospects and customers?

Content Marketing Approach / Global Marketing InitiativeWhat corporate and product content do you have on-hand to communicate with prospects and customers in our vertical sectors? (Audit) What resources need to be developed to support your sales efforts?

Marketing Tools at Your DisposalWhich existing print, web & electronic tools can you use to communicate with prospects & customers?

NEMA Regional Unit is an INDEVCO Group Sales Unit responsible for the Arabian Gulf Markets. INDEVCO Group is the 'Local Multinational of the Middle East'.

The interview addresses INDEVCO operations in the local Egyptian market. Emile Boustany, General Manager of Interstate Paper Industries and prior General Manager of Unipak Nile, represented INDEVCO due to his extensive experience and knowledge in the Egyptian Market.

INDEVCO Group member companies in Egypt consist of Unipak Nile, a corrugated packaging manufacturer in 6th of October city; Interstate Paper Industries, a manufacturer of jumbo tissue rolls in Sadat City; and Sanita Nile, a sales and distribution office of consumer disposables in Cairo.

During the interview, Boustany covered various topics discussing how INDEVCO entered the Egyptian market, the steps taken and challenges faced, as well as future prospects and investments, and how INDEVCO gives back to the Egyptian community.

In the first part of the interview, Boustany explains Unipak Nile’s journey to becoming a fully-operational manufacturing plant in Egypt and how it began as an exporter of corrugated packaging for oranges. Unipak Nile currently produces corrugated packaging for the industrial, agricultural and retail sectors.

The interview continued to cover the reasons behind why Unipak Nile stands out from other manufacturers in the market. Unipak Nile is one of the few manufacturers that are ISO 9001:2000 and HACCP certified. Furthermore, it utilizes a computerized system and offers online ordering and tracking, a tool new to the Egyptian market.

Boustany further discussed how INDEVCO gives back to the Egyptian community and promotes the economy. Unipak Nile, Interstate Paper Industries, and Sanita Nile create jobs for locals decreasing the local unemployment rate. Furthermore, raw materials are purchased not only from European, Asian and American markets but also from the local market supporting the local industry.

INDEVCO plans to open Sanita Consumer Products (SCP) in Sadat City to manufacture consumer products in Egypt serving Sanita Nile in the coming year.

The interview ended with Boustany explaining the differences between working in Lebanon and Egypt through his personal experiences and preferences.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The 17th International Scientific Conference, held on 12 -13 November, covered scientific applications for various industries, such as medical, nutritional, fundamental, social, economic, and engineering sciences.

Rabih Osta, Phoenix Machinery General Manager, presented at the 17th International Scientific Conferenceheld at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) main campus in Jounieh, Lebanon. Osta presented ‘Waste to Energy’ on behalf of Neemat Frem, INDEVCO Group CEO.Phoenix Machinery, Lebanese machinery manufacturer located in Safra, supports scientific advancement. The manufacturer is a member company of INDEVCO Group.

Osta’s presentation took place during the second Plenary Session, ‘Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Global Warming’ on 13 November 2010.

In line with Phoenix Machinery’s vision to promote eco-friendly initiatives, Phoenix Machinery’s General Manager presented different types of waste to energy technologies and discussed competing technologies.

Osta’s presentation fell under the ‘Environment and Waste Management’ section of fundamental science. He explained waste to energy emissions and corresponding controls and discussed the waste and energy situation in Lebanon.

Furthermore, he proposed an optimum solution for Lebanon and conducted a financial analysis for justification.

17th International Scientific Conference Objectives

The 17th Scientific Conference brought together participants and presenters from all over the world to discuss pressing issues and new scientific advancements and technologies locally, regionally and internationally.

The conference enhances and reviews scientific and technological research for sustainable development, as well as introduces and discusses the newest scientific research trends.[i]

Monday, November 15, 2010

On 12 November 2010, Napco Composite Packaging Technology launched its new website, an important step towards online presence.

Napco Composite Packaging Technology (COMPACT), located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, manufactures a vast array of polyethylene films for the food and beverage, healthcare, industrial, personal and home care sectors in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

COMPACT’s new website provides customers with organized and clear-cut information necessary during the various stages of the decision making process.

COMPACT refines and streamlines its manufacturing processes, machinery, and practices to ensure delivering high quality, providing cost-effective products, and delivering in a timely manner.

Interstate Container Cambridge members before the plant’s new‘Live United’ mural, painted by local artist, Michael Rosato

On Friday, 29 October, Interstate Container Cambridge members celebrated their achievement of contributing $35,000 to 2010 United Way Campaign. Employees wore black ‘Live United’ shirts demonstrating the corrugated packaging manufacturer’s support of United Way. United Way board members joined in the celebration.

‘Live United’ Campaign

For the past three consecutive years, Interstate Container Cambridge has held an employee campaign to raise funds for United Way. This campaign allows employees to contribute funds to the cause through payroll deductions, one-time donations, or donations billed to a credit card over a period of one year.

United Way, a non-profit organization, focuses on improving the quality of life and directs efforts and donations into the three main building blocks of a good life: education, health, and income. The organization also engages in disaster recovery, including the ongoing program along the Gulf Coast since the devastating hurricanes of 2005.

Pete Bugas, Interstate Container Cambridge General Manager, states,

"I'm extremely proud of the employees and the way they've stepped up and contributed, the employees are the ones that made this happen. I'm extremely thankful for what they've done."

The mural, painted by Rosato, on Cambridge office premises, expressed through art Interstate Container Cambridge’s commitment to ‘Live United’. It depicted the essence of the manufacturer’s dedication to supporting the community and proactively protecting the environment through eco-friendly initiatives.

POWERCON 2010 was held in Hangzhou, China from 24-28 October 2010. During the second session, Sawma presented “Electromagnetic Induction in Pipelines Due to Overhead High Voltage Power Lines”, his senior project from Notre Dame University in Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon. The session was chaired by Transelec-Chile’s System Development Manager, Juan Carlos Araneda.

Sawma’s paper, accepted as a new innovation in the transmission lines field, included a simulation of the electromagnetic fields and voltage induced on pipelines for homogeneous and heterogeneous soil resistivity and offered two solutions for the corrosion process.

Sawma presenting “Electromagnetic Induction in PipelinesDue to Overhead High Voltage Power Lines”

POWERCON 2010, the seventh edition in its series, had the theme ‘Technological Innovations Making Power Grid Smarter’. The conference introduced and discussed the latest developments in power system technology and electrical power engineering.

The international conference brought together innovators, scholars, engineers, and researchers in the field from 33 different countries and discussed such interesting topics as high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines, electric vehicles, smart power grids and wind farms.

The biennial conference, organized by China Electric Power Research Institute (CEPRI), was sponsored by IEEE Power & Energy Society (IEEE PES) and Chinese Society for Electrical Engineering (CSEE).

Phoenix Machinery is a memeber of INDEVCO Group, the ' Local Multinational of the Middle East'.